GECs
Viacom18’s Rajesh Iyer joins Zee Entertainment as business head
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment today announced the appointment of Rajesh Iyer as business head – new initiatives in Hindi Broadcast. Iyer will report to Zee Entertainment chief content and creative officer Bharat Ranga.
Speaking on his appointment Ranga said, “Rajesh is a superior talent with marketeering approach and consumer focus. We are delighted to have him on board to create some thrilling benchmarks in our industry. Zee family welcomes Rajesh and wishes him all the success.”
Iyer said: “I have always admired the Zee group, who have been pioneers in the Satellite and Broadcast space. To be a part of this ever-growing dynamic industry is going to be challenging and I further, look forward to developing and strengthening the brand.”
Iyer brings with him over 13 years of experience in the areas of marketing and business. His last assignment was as vice president marketing for Colors, Viacom18 where he set up the marketing operations including teams and processes, planned and implemented the marketing strategy for the launch of the brand. Prior to joining Colors, he worked with Star India on Star Plus, interactive services and content and communication for Star Movies and Star World. He has also worked with Ambience Publicis and Ogilvy & Mather.
Iyer’s appointment is with effect from 19 March 2014.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
